President Lee calls for 'fair growth' and capital market reform in first parliamentary address SEOUL, June 26 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung called Wednesday on lawmakers to back his push to revive the economy and support struggling households, calling the effort "the most urgent task we must address today." Delivering his first policy speech at the National Assembly since taking office, Lee urged cooperation on a supplementary budget designed to stimulate growth and stabilize livelihoods. "On June 4, right here in the National Assembly, I took the presidential oath and pledged to build a country where the people are the true owners, a country that grows and develops with renewed strength, a society where everyone prospers together, where culture flourishes, and where safety and peace prevail," he said. Lee warned that if slow growth continues, opportunities will shrink and social tensions could intensify. "We must open the door to 'fair growth,' where we create new engines of growth and share both the opportunities and the outcomes," he said. "Only then can we ease polarization and inequality, and move toward a world where everyone thrives together." He also highlighted the need to restore credibility in South Korea's financial markets. "We need to normalize the capital markets," Lee said. "If we can recover transparency and fairness in the markets, we can revitalize the economy and allow companies to grow properly, leading us into an era where the KOSPI surpasses 5,000." His remarks came just two days after the benchmark KOSPI index crossed the 3,100 mark during intraday trading on June 24 for the first time in nearly four years. The index touched a session high of 3,101.83 before closing at 3,090.83, up 2.53 percent from the previous day. The rally was fueled by strong gains in semiconductor stocks and renewed optimism following news of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran. 2025-06-26 11:22:24

S. Korea and Türkiye deepen energy ties with focus on renewables SEOUL, June 25 (AJP) - South Korea and Türkiye took a step toward closer cooperation in clean energy with a joint seminar held on Tuesday at the National Assembly in Seoul. The event brought together lawmakers, diplomats, business leaders, and energy experts to explore how both countries can work together to tackle the global energy transition and enhance energy security. The "Korea–Türkiye Renewable Energy Seminar" was co-hosted by National Assembly member Baek Hye-ryun, the Turkish Embassy in Seoul, the Republic of Türkiye Investment Office, the Korea New and Renewable Energy Association, and Deloitte Anjin LLC. The focus was on building connections between public and private sector leaders and identifying opportunities for joint investment in renewables and climate-related industries. "Clean energy transition will dominate the global agenda in the period ahead," said Tolga Şimşir, Deputy Head of Mission at the Turkish Embassy. "For Türkiye, diversifying our energy sources and supply routes is a key priority. Our goal is to secure an uninterrupted, affordable, and sustainable energy supply that supports both the well-being of our people and the resilience of our economy." Şimşir pointed to Türkiye's "Renewable Energy Road Map 2035," unveiled in October last year, as a cornerstone of its energy strategy. "We plan to quadruple our solar and wind capacity from 30 gigawatts to 120 gigawatts by 2035, with 108 billion dollars of planned investments," he said. "This seminar is timely and offers valuable insight into the Turkish renewable energy market and the opportunities it presents." Zeynel Kılınç, Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye Investment Office, noted that while South Korean companies are already active in Türkiye's automotive, steel, and electronics sectors, energy remains relatively untapped. "The energy industry has great potential for collaboration," he said. "Both countries are heavily dependent on imports and need to diversify their energy sources." Türkiye has made significant headway in expanding its renewable energy portfolio. "The installed capacity for renewables now makes up nearly 60 percent of our total capacity of 116 gigawatts," Kılınç said. "In 2024 alone, more than 45 percent of our electricity came from renewable sources." He outlined Türkiye's energy policies, which include the YEKDEM feed-in tariff program, the YEKA large-scale auction model, incentives for self-consumption-based solar systems, and intergovernmental agreements with long-term power purchase guarantees. "These mechanisms have provided a stable foundation for growth and continue to drive our transition to renewables," he said. Kılınç called on South Korean companies to take part in Türkiye's clean energy expansion, particularly in areas like battery storage, power plant development, and equipment manufacturing. "Together, we can create solutions that not only benefit our two countries, but also help advance the global shift to green energy," he said. "Türkiye is open for business, and our Investment Office is here to support you every step of the way." 2025-06-25 17:05:36

Chinese ambassador urges Korea to reject protectionism, stresses value of China ties SEOUL, June 25 (AJP) - Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing on Wednesday warned that the world is facing a period of historic upheaval and urged South Korea to stand firm against rising protectionism by maintaining close economic ties with China. Dai made the remarks during the Korea Economic Design Forum (KEDF), held at the CCMM Building in Seoul's Yeouido district. The event marked the seventh anniversary of Economic Daily and was co-sponsored by Aju News Corporation, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Federation of Korean Industries, the Korea Employers Federation, and the Korea International Trade Association. "In the midst of this turmoil, economic globalization and international cooperation are facing strong headwinds," Dai said, referring to ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as the United States' involvement that has, in his view, rattled the global order. "Unilateralism and protectionism are reemerging, and the momentum for global growth is weakening, leaving many economies grappling with serious challenges." He criticized Washington's trade policy for imposing sweeping tariffs on all trading partners, calling it harmful to the global economy and multilateral trade norms. "This approach has inflicted significant damage on the global economic order and has heightened uncertainty in global politics and the economy," he said. Dai emphasized that Beijing had taken firm countermeasures, aimed not only at defending China's legitimate interests but also at "safeguarding international fairness and justice." He added, "Objectively, this has also provided other countries with more time and space for negotiation." Although China and the U.S. have reached some tentative agreements, Dai cautioned that follow-through was essential. "The U.S. must act with credibility and sincerity in carrying out those results," he said. "Threats and pressure against China will not work." On South Korea–China relations, Dai said the two countries' economies are deeply connected through supply and industrial chains. He called both nations "important global economic players" and urged them to work together to defend free trade and stable supply networks. "Both sides should uphold principles and firmly oppose protectionism," he said. Dai also made a direct appeal to South Korean companies, framing China not as a competitor to avoid but as a market full of opportunity. "China's massive market, complete industrial system, and continued push for openness are powerful engines for bilateral cooperation," he said. "Investing in China means investing in the future. If you lose the Chinese market, you lose the foundation to talk about global strategy." 2025-06-25 15:55:25

Shinsegae's Jung Yong-jin tapped to lead Asia arm of Trump-linked Rockbridge Network SEOUL, June 25 (AJP) - Shinsegae Group Chairman Jung Yong-jin is expected to take the helm of Rockbridge Asia, a new regional branch of the Rockbridge Network -- a powerful conservative political organization closely tied to former United States President Donald Trump and several key figures in his potential second administration. Multiple sources in South Korea's business and investment banking circles confirmed on Wednesday that Jung has agreed to lead Rockbridge's Asia operations. The new division, based in Seoul, marks the group's first foray into global expansion. Jung's expected appointment is drawing attention amid the Lee Jae-myung administration's efforts to deepen ties with Washington ahead of a possible Trump return. The Rockbridge Network was founded in 2019 by current U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and conservative commentator Christopher Buskirk. Known for its close alignment with Trump, the group includes Donald Trump Jr. and a range of high-profile players from Trump's previous administration. Among them are Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, who reportedly donated one million dollars' worth of Bitcoin to Trump, as well as technology investor David Sacks and prominent conservative donor Rebekah Mercer. Also affiliated are current administration officials such as White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Besant, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. The group's growing influence has attracted financial backing from major U.S. tech figures, including PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Rockbridge now aims to expand its political influence abroad, starting with Asia. South Korea has been selected as the hub for the region, with branches also planned in Taiwan and Japan. The expansion is widely viewed as a strategic effort to strengthen ties with U.S. allies in East Asia while building geopolitical leverage against China. Richard Tsai, chairman of Taiwan's Fubon Group, is expected to lead Rockbridge Taiwan, while Maeda Tadashi, chairman of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), will head the Japan branch. Jung will oversee the entire regional structure from the Seoul headquarters. Analysts see Rockbridge's launch in South Korea as highly significant. With the Lee administration expected to engage more actively with U.S. decision-makers on trade, North Korea, and regional security, Jung's leadership could offer a direct channel to key power centers in Washington. "Chairman Jung has been asked to take on the role at Rockbridge and is carefully considering whether to accept the offer," said one business source familiar with the matter. 2025-06-25 14:32:29

Yoon's legal team denounces arrest warrant as special counsel ramps up investigation SEOUL, June 25 (AJP) - Former President Yoon Suk Yeol's legal team filed a formal objection with the Seoul Central District Court on Wednesday, pushing back against an arrest warrant request from the special counsel investigating his December 3 martial law declaration. They argued that the warrant lacks legal basis and violates Yoon's right to a fair defense. Before the special counsel took over, Yoon had been summoned three times by the police -- on June 5, 12, and 19 -- but declined to appear on each occasion. He made it clear that he did not intend to respond during the police investigation phase, prompting concerns that he was trying to run out the clock on the limited-duration inquiry. In the written opinion submitted to the court, Yoon's lawyers claimed the request was procedurally improper and blindsided the former president. "President Yoon has not received a single summons from the special counsel. We have not been informed of where the office is located, who the lead prosecutor is, or where any questioning would take place," the lawyers said in a statement. "Skipping every basic procedure and going straight to an arrest request is impossible to understand and seriously infringes on his legal rights." The team also questioned the legitimacy of the warrant, noting that it was based on summons issued during an earlier police investigation. "The police and the special counsel are clearly separate investigative bodies," the statement read. "Basing a special counsel's arrest warrant on police summons lacks legal validity and procedural fairness." The court is currently reviewing the submission and could issue a decision as early as today. Unlike detention warrants, arrest warrants in South Korea can be granted without a formal hearing. Special Counsel Cho Eon-seok filed the arrest warrant on Jun. 24, just six days after formally launching the investigation. Yoon is facing multiple charges, including obstruction of official duties, abuse of power, and instigating violations of the Presidential Security Act. Prosecutors allege that he ordered the Presidential Security Service to block police from arresting him on Jan. 3, and that he later instructed top military intelligence officials to delete encrypted phone records linked to the martial law plan. Yoon's lawyers said he had intended to cooperate with the special counsel and appear voluntarily once a schedule was agreed upon. They characterized the arrest warrant as an ambush and reiterated that he is willing to respond to a properly issued summons. The charges stem from Yoon's declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024. The move, which bypassed the National Assembly, included the deployment of military units and the activation of emergency communication protocols, raising serious constitutional concerns. Two failed attempts to arrest Yoon followed in January. On both January 3 and January 15, officers from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) were stopped by the Presidential Security Service at the gates of his residence. Yoon's legal team at the time argued the CIO lacked the authority to detain a sitting or former president under the Constitution. On April 4, 2025, the Constitutional Court upheld the National Assembly's impeachment of Yoon, officially removing him from office. It was the first time a South Korean president had been impeached and ousted over allegations related to insurrection. After the ruling, the case was transferred to prosecutors. In early June, the National Assembly passed legislation establishing a special counsel to investigate whether Yoon's actions amounted to insurrection or treason under the Criminal Act. Cho's team began its work on June 18 and has moved quickly. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun was indicted for allegedly ordering the destruction of evidence, and prosecutors are now seeking an additional detention warrant for him. The special counsel has emphasized the urgency of the probe, which must be completed within 150 days by law. 2025-06-25 10:16:16

Chinese singer Nina makes confident K-pop debut with 'Never Afraid' SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) - Chinese singer Nina officially stepped into the K-pop spotlight on Thursday, Jun. 19, with the release of her debut mini album Never Afraid. Featuring four tracks, the album marks the beginning of her solo journey, blending her unique tone with a message of determination and self-belief. Before debuting, Nina steadily gained attention through cover videos and live content, quietly building a loyal fanbase. In an interview, she said her dream of becoming a singer has never wavered. "I never once gave up on my dream of becoming a singer, even back in school," she said during an interview with AJP on Jun. 16. "I discovered the joy of performing by covering K-pop dances with friends, and I practiced with all my heart every day during my trainee period. There were more exciting moments than hard ones." The title track, Freeze, reflects her emotions leading up to her debut. "I wanted to express the nervousness and determination I felt," she said. "The line 'More than expectations, may this feeling never fade' really reflects my mindset. I want to move forward without losing the feeling I had at the start." While most of the response has been positive, some critical voices have surfaced online. Nina remains unfazed. "I know that more people support me, so I won't be shaken," she said. "At first, even my parents were against my dream, but they recognized my sincerity and effort, and now they're my biggest supporters." She smiled and added, "If there's anything I need to improve, please let me know. I'll do better." Nina named BLACKPINK's Jennie as her role model. "I want to be an artist who shows outstanding talent and charm like Jennie," she said. "I hope to keep connecting with fans through diverse content and grow as an artist." With Never Afraid, Nina delivers a clear statement: she's here, she's ready, and she's not backing down. Through the dreamy mood and emotional tension of Freeze, she captures the uncertainty of first steps and the quiet strength it takes to keep moving forward. 2025-06-19 18:03:10

Iranian Embassy in Seoul condemns Israeli airstrikes, calls for international accountability SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - Through a statement released Wednesday, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Republic of Korea has condemned Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian territory and urged the international community to uphold international law and prevent further escalation. In the statement released on Jun. 18, Iranian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Saeed Koozechi described the Jun. 13 attacks as a large-scale, coordinated assault involving air, missile, and drone strikes. According to the embassy, the attacks targeted residential neighborhoods, civilian infrastructure, and nuclear facilities that are under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. One of the strikes reportedly killed 60 civilians, including 35 women and children. "The nature of the attack leaves no room for ambiguity," Ambassador Koozechi wrote. "It constitutes an act of aggression in direct violation of international law. The legal threshold has been clearly crossed." The statement emphasized that Iran’s nuclear installations have been consistently verified by the IAEA as peaceful and remain subject to what it called the most intrusive inspection regime in the world. It cited IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and past General Conference resolutions that classify military attacks on safeguarded nuclear sites as violations of the UN Charter and international law. "These resolutions underscore the grave risks such attacks pose to nuclear safety and security and highlight their profoundly destabilizing impact on regional and international peace," the statement read. The embassy described the Israeli strikes as part of a broader pattern, accusing the government in Tel Aviv of repeatedly targeting civilians and defying international norms. It also pointed to ongoing proceedings at the International Court of Justice and allegations of war crimes committed by senior Israeli leaders. "The rule of law is not being neglected—it is being willfully dismantled," the statement said. Iran, the embassy noted, responded under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which guarantees the right to self-defense in the event of an armed attack. The ambassador said Iran's response was "carefully calibrated" to focus only on military targets while minimizing civilian harm, in line with international humanitarian law. The statement criticized the UN Security Council’s lack of action, contrasting it with the swift condemnation of Israel’s 1981 strike on Iraq’s Osirak reactor. "The law remains clear. Yet today, the Council stands paralyzed—its deliberations stifled by political pressure and the protective shield extended by a small group of powerful states." The statement concluded with a call for international solidarity: "Sovereignty is not negotiable. Nuclear installations under IAEA safeguards should not be targeted. Armed force must not be allowed to replace diplomacy. The path to peace begins with accountability, and the international system must summon the will to uphold it." 2025-06-18 16:08:08

Presidents Lee and Lula, once injured factory workers, meet for first time at G7 summit SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met for the first time on Jun. 17 (local time) in Kananaskis, Canada, on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit. What could have been a routine diplomatic meeting carried an unexpected weight, shaped by the strikingly similar lives the two men have led. Both were invited to the summit as guest leaders. Their discussion covered bilateral cooperation, but it was their shared past, rooted in poverty, labor, injury, and political survival, that gave the meeting an uncommon sense of depth. During their conversation, President Lee spoke about working in a factory as an underage boy, where a press machine crushed his left arm and left it permanently damaged. Lula, who lost his left pinky finger in a factory accident at age 19, leaned in and asked, "How old were you when that happened?" The question landed with empathy -- one laborer to another. Lee’s life story is well known in South Korea. Born in 1964 in the southeastern city of Andong, he grew up in poverty and started working young. After his family moved to Seongnam, his mother sold toilet paper in a market while Lee worked in factories, where exposure to toxic chemicals cost him his sense of smell. In his memoir, he called his childhood "horrific," recalling how his family often survived on fruit discarded by vendors. Lula’s background has similar contours. He, too, came from a poor family, took up factory work early, and became active in Brazil’s labor movement after his accident. Both men were prosecuted. Lula served time in prison before his conviction was annulled, while Lee faced multiple investigations and legal battles before and after taking office. In early 2024, Lee survived a knife attack during a site visit in Busan. Their personal hardships and the political resilience that followed gave the meeting a human dimension that rarely accompanies first summits. It may also mark the beginning of a new phase in South Korea–Brazil relations. Despite strong ties, the two countries have never signed a free trade agreement. The shared understanding between the two leaders could open the door to future trade dialogue and deeper cooperation. Lula used the meeting to extend a formal invitation to President Lee to attend the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), which Brazil will host. Lee thanked him, calling climate issues "very important," and said he would try to attend if possible. As they wrapped up, Lula offered a final piece of advice: "You must not forget why the people chose you." 2025-06-18 10:18:58

K-ART: Reimagining the Buddha's path: 'Eight Views, Eight Senses' SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - In Eight Views, Eight Senses (팔관팔감, 八觀八感), artist Jeong Ha-yul takes on one of Buddhist art's most revered visual forms, the Palsangdo, or "Eight Scenes from the Life of the Buddha." Traditionally painted in temples, these works trace eight defining moments in Siddhartha Gautama's journey, from birth to enlightenment, and to final nirvana. But for Jeong, the Palsangdo is more than a historical or religious artifact. It's a reflection of the human condition. "The Palsangdo doesn't just recount the Buddha's life. It reflects our own," Jeong said during an interview at Moowoosoo Gallery in central Seoul on June 17. "It represents the Four Noble Truths: suffering, the cause of suffering, the end of suffering, and the path to that end. These aren't just abstract ideas. They're deeply human experiences we still live through." The exhibition reimagines each of the eight scenes using a different medium and technique. Gold pigment on black silk, soft silhouettes, layered narrative compositions, even stark ink on bare white cloth. Through these varied approaches, Jeong draws out the emotional nuance and spiritual gravity of each moment. The exhibition opened to considerable attention, much of it sparked online. "There was a lot of interest even before the exhibition started, especially on Twitter," she said. "So many people came, and I did my best to explain the meaning behind each piece to everyone who visited. I am not sure whether I successfully explained everything, but I was really happy whenever someone walked out smiling." Some works took months to complete, others more than a year. "Subjugation of Demons took about a year and three months," she said. "The next most time-consuming piece took around seven months." Despite the weight of the subject, the demon scene gave her a rare opportunity to play. "You can't really change the way the Buddha or the monks look. That's fairly fixed. But the demons? That's where I had fun," she said. "I hid in movie villains like the Joker, added demons weraing traditional Korean masks like Hahoetal and Gaksital, and scattered little references from pop culture all over the canvas." 〈Huming Bodhisattva〉 Painted in gold pigment on black silk, this piece portrays the moment from Queen Maya’s dream in which the white elephant-riding Huming Bodhisattva appears. The surreal atmosphere emphasizes the divine mystery of pre-birth and spiritual foreshadowing. 〈Birth〉 The Buddha’s first moment in Lumbini is rendered in silhouette, surrounded by the calligraphic inscription of “Cheonsang Cheonha Yu-a Dokjon (天上天下唯我獨尊),” or “Above and below heaven, I alone am honored.” A minimalist yet powerful expression of sacred emergence. 〈Departure from the Palace: Dreaming〉 This dreamlike scene captures the night Siddhartha chooses to renounce worldly life. Tucked within the inner folds of a palace maid’s robe, the depiction layers reality and dream, embodying the quiet solitude of awakening amidst slumbering illusions. 〈Leaving the Palace〉 Instead of a traditional depiction with a charioteer, Siddhartha rides alone, dressed in the attire of a Joseon Dynasty prince. The black mountain range in the distance symbolizes the Himalayas. This bold reinterpretation highlights personal will and cultural resonance. 〈Meditation〉 Rather than the gaunt figure often shown in traditional depictions, this Buddha is soft, approachable, and warmly illuminated. The reimagining invites viewers to see meditation not as ascetic suffering but as a calm, welcoming space of inner peace. 〈Subjugation of Demons〉 Inspired by the traditional version at Tongdosa Temple, this painting inserts iconic villains from modern pop culture into the crowd of demon armies. The juxtaposition adds both humor and a contemporary metaphor for personal and societal struggles. 〈First Sermon in the Deer Park〉 Painted using Geumni Chaesaek, a traditional method of mixing pure gold with animal glue on dark silk, this piece radiates quiet brilliance. It reflects the enduring glow of truth that transcends time, even in the depths of darkness. 〈Parinirvana〉 With only ink and light washes on white silk, this final piece evokes the serene stillness of the Buddha’s passing. The absence of color emphasizes the emotional clarity of grief, acceptance, and transcendence. 2025-06-17 17:18:28

G20 nations discuss stronger EPR cooperation for circular economy SEOUL, June 16 (AJP) - G20 member states and international organizations gathered on Jun. 10 for a high-level webinar to examine global cooperation on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems, a cornerstone policy tool for advancing the circular economy. The webinar, held under the G20 Resource Efficiency Dialogue (RED), was hosted by South Africa, the 2024 G20 presidency, and organized by the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG). The session focused on sharing lessons and challenges in EPR policy design and implementation across countries. The closed-door event was not open to the general public, ensuring more focused and specialized dialogue among officials and experts. EPR, or Extended Producer Responsibility, places legal responsibility on manufacturers for the post-consumer stage of products. By encouraging recycling and sustainable waste management, the system supports key goals in carbon neutrality, ESG performance, and the broader shift to resource-efficient economies. The discussion highlighted EPR’s relevance in packaging, electronics, and batteries—sectors facing new regulatory demands amid rapid growth in online commerce. Three panel sessions explored key areas, international EPR adoption and lessons learned, the experience of operating Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), and regulatory approaches to e-commerce and digital sales channels. Speakers included officials and experts from the OECD, India, China, Germany, Brazil, South Africa, and Argentina. In the second session, moderated by attorney Park Sang-yeol of ELPS, a Seoul-based law firm specializing in ESG advisory, panelists from India, South Africa, and Argentina shared insights on building PROs, public-private cooperation models, and operational challenges. Park, who served as legal advisor to Korea’s Ministry of Environment for 16 years, provided expert commentary on EPR’s evolution and its future in both domestic and international contexts. The event went beyond information sharing, laying groundwork for deeper G20 policy collaboration, bilateral technical exchanges, and joint research initiatives. Participants also raised the possibility of forming a global EPR framework with shared standards. 2025-06-16 17:53:50